The performance of the youths' relay team, and that of Rod Dixon, the club captain, made the long haul to Wakefield last weekend more than worthwhile.
The club committee decided to go all-out for good team results in cross-country competition, because it is felt that it is hear that the club strength lies, especially in the younger age groups, This meet represented the first team event of the present non-track and field season.
The area around Wakefield is renowned for its strong clubs, this being ideal competition against which to measure the club's strength and with which to train.
Only three of our youths were required for the 3x½ mile Road Relay. This meant a run-off which resulted in Kevin McGee, Dave Southern and Rick Hemmings gaining the places. The two lap course contained a couple of steepish hills which helped to string out the field of 21 teams. First time round Kevin was in ninth position - 1¼ miles later he had moved up to seventh place and handed over this position to Dave.
Dave's first lap of 7.06 brought him back, contesting sixth place but this had dropped to eighth by the time he had completed his second lap, the early pace obviously proving too fast.
Rick went out with the knowledge that for a minor technical offence, the runners didn't actually touch each other. He had been disqualified at the commencement of Dave's lap. It would have been easy and understandable, for him to have taken things easy knowing that we had nothing to lose, but he didn't. He put in a good run to return the team in eighth place in an overall time of 46 minutes 38 seconds.
It is worth noting that each of these runners were racing in their first year in this particular age group. This meant that athletes up to three years older than them were competing against them. The result, is therefore, very promising for the future. Wallasey Athletic Club's team was also the first team outside the Yorkshire area to finish.
Rod Dixon ran in the senior five-mile race and moved steadily through the field of 58 to finish in 18th position. A creditable performance indeed and one worthy of the club captain. He was the second, under-19 athlete to finish the course. Rod leaves soon to attend Sheffield University, where he hopes to continue his running and be fit enough to compete for Wallasey on his visits home. Our best wishes go with him.
The club has now returned to its winter training programme, making full use of the St. George's Middle School premises since its opening after the summer holiday.
For those interested, the revised arrangements are: Monday - St. Georges School, Leasowe Road, 7.30 start; Wednesday - Woodchurch Community Centre track, 7.30 start; Thursday - St. Georges School, 7.30 start; Saturdays - Competition on as arranged.
Athletes should arrive at least 15 minutes before the starting time and take special note of the Tuesday circuit training night arrangements.
Results, Road Relay: (3 x 2½ mile): 1st leg - Kevin McGee - 7th - 15 minutes 04 seconds; 2nd leg - Dave Southern - 8th - 15 minutes
22 seconds; 3rd leg - Rick Hemmings - 8th - 15 minutes 50 seconds.
Senior Race (5 mile) Rod Dixon - 18th - 30 minutes 05 seconds.
Ends
Source - Wallasey News - Saturday, 02/10/1976
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